Elba E-Nav: The Island that moves the sea with the sun

This proposal presents a plan to develop a sustainable maritime transport system on the island of Elba, powered by surplus renewable energy generated by a Renewable Energy Community (REC). The objective is to decarbonize marine transport, enhance energy self-consumption, and serve as a replicable model for other islands. The project integrates a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and a risk-based approach to ensure environmental integrity and strategic investment decisions.
The initiative aligns with the EU Green Deal, Fit for 55 objectives, and supports the transition to clean mobility.

Expected Impact:
- 80–100% GHG emission reduction on pilot routes
- Enhanced energy circularity and reduced curtailment
- Improved quality of life and tourism sustainability on Elba
- Replicable model for other Mediterranean islands

Target:
• Develop an innovative energy community that could leverage advanced technologies like blockchain for transparent peer-to-peer energy trading, smart grids for efficient distribution, and AI-driven systems to optimize energy usage based on real-time data
• Reduction in GHG emissions from marine transport (target: 80–100% reduction on pilot routes).
• Improved local energy self-sufficiency and reduced curtailment of renewable energy.
• Increased public awareness and acceptance of sustainable transport.
• New business models combining energy and transport sectors.

Stakeholders
• Renewable Energy Community (REC): energy provider and project co-developer.
• Municipality and Port Authorities: infrastructure and regulatory support.
• Maritime Operators: vessel operation and maintenance.
• Local Citizens and Businesses: end-users and beneficiaries.
• Technical Partners: vessel manufacturers, battery/hydrogen system suppliers.
• Academic and Research Institutions: monitoring and evaluation.

Funding and Support
Potential funding sources include:
• EU programs: Horizon Europe, LIFE Programme, Interreg, CEF Transport.
• National and regional green transition funds.
• Public-private partnerships and green investment platforms.

Elba E-Nav Proposal is proposed by Enereco S.p.a., an independent and privately owned engineering company founded with the purpose of delivering customised, quality engineering and project services.
Since 1988 our fully multidisciplinary teams provide the design of plants for production, transportation and storage of oil products, project management and procurement expertise.
We are also active in infrastructure, research & development, energy and environmental projects, areas that we are pleased to be developing further at a time when the world’s focus and requirements are shifting toward more sustainable solutions. For Enereco sustainability is a key motivation. We strive to provide resource efficient facilities and to help clients reduce the environmental impact of their projects. We support our clients in restoring ecosystems, and we are also making efforts to reduce our own carbon footprint.
Our portfolio and references are on https://www.enereco.com/projects_portfolio/

Estimated Capital Investment:
- REC development - € 1 million
- Vessel Electrification (1–2 vessels): €2.5–4 million
- Charging/Hydrogen Infrastructure: €1.2–1.5 million
- Energy Integration Systems: €500,000
- Total Estimated Cost: €5.2–7 million

Benefits:
- Reduced fuel costs (~€200,000/year)
- Revenue from selling energy and incentives
- Revenue from clean transport services
- Positive environmental and social impact
- ROI expected in 8–10 years with EU co-funding

Phase Duration Key Milestones
1) Feasibility & Planning - 6 months - Energy and route analysis complete
2) Design & Integration - 9 months - Vessel specs and infra design
3) Pilot Deployment - 12 months - Launch of pilot vessel and port infra
4) Scale-up & Replication Ongoing (Year 3+) Additional vessels and communities